Pendleton Marine gets Silver Star for bravery

U.S. Marine Maj. Robb T. McDonald stands in front of an audience at Camp Pendleton, Calif., as he is awarded the Silver Star Medal, Monday, Dec. 9, 2013. McDonald received the award for leading Marines against an attack on Camp Bastion, Afghanistan. CHRISTIAN RODAS, U-T SAN DIEGO

Silver Star citation

On the night of 14 September 2012 heavily armed enemy fighters infiltrated the Camp Bastion airfield, destroying coalition aircraft and attacking the squadron operations area. Major McDonald and two other officers, armed only with pistols, immediately left the security of the billeting area, and maneuvered on foot more than a mile through an area dangerously exposed to both enemy fire and possible friendly fire. When he reached the squadron maintenance building and learned that his Commanding Officer had been mortally wounded, Major McDonald assumed command and began directing the tactical situation. Realizing the aluminum skinned building was indefensible, he fearlessly exposed himself by leading multiple groups of his Marines across 75 meters of open ground to get them to the more protected squadron headquarters. Leading a small team out to reconnoiter the flight line, he killed one enemy with a rifle he had borrowed, and then expertly coordinated two helicopter strikes to destroy all remaining enemy. Major McDonald's decisive leadership and tactical expertise inspired his Marines to vigorously repel the enemy, thereby preventing additional friendly casualties and further destruction of aircraft and facilities. By his bold initiative, undaunted courage, and complete dedication to duty, Major McDonald reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

CAMP PENDLETON – Maj. Robb McDonald on Monday was presented with the Silver Star – the nation's third-highest medal for valor – for heroism during a Taliban attack at Camp Bastion in Afghanistan more than a year ago.

McDonald was serving as executive officer of Marine Attack Squadron 211 at the time of the attack, which military officials called one of the “most brazen insurgent assaults” in Afghanistan.

According to Department of Defense reports, the coalition base in the Helmand province was breached by 15 insurgents dressed in U.S. Army uniforms on Sept. 14, 2012. The insurgents cut through security fencing and crept along a dry steam bed. The attack resulted in the deaths of two Marines and destruction of and damage to dozens of planes.

According to his citation and the Marine Corps Times, McDonald took charge after the squadron's commanding officer was killed fighting the attacking insurgents. McDonald risked his life to lead several groups of Marines away from an aluminum maintenance building that could have become a death trap had the troops remained there.

In September, Gen. James Amos, the Marine Corps commandant, asked two generals – Maj. Gen. Charles “Mark” Gurganus, who was commander of Regional Command Southwest in Afghanistan, and Maj. Gen. Gregg Sturdevant, commander of the aviation wing – to retire following an investigation into the attack. At that time Amos said the commanders did not take adequate measures to ensure safety at the base.

“In their duty to protect their forces these two generals did not meet that standard,” Amos said in September.

According to reports from the Marine Corps, McDonald now serves as an air officer at Camp Pendleton with the 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion. He is highly decorated and spent time in reconnaissance before receiving his commission and becoming a Harrier pilot.

He flew combat missions in Iraq and later joined the Marine Corps' special operations community. Between 2007 and 2010, McDonald deployed to Afghanistan three times as part of Marine special operations teams. He served in various capacities, including as a joint tactical air controller.

McDonald has flown more than 400 hours in combat, according to his biography, and has orchestrated more than 150 close-air support missions.

He has two Bronze Stars with “V” device, a Purple Heart and eight Air Medals.

McDonald is the 45th Marine to be awarded the Silver Star for the war in Afghanistan.

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